The Imperfect Stitches

October 1, 2015September 30, 2015 RefreshHer6 Comments

See that pretty embroidered kitchen towel hanging on my oven door? It was hand stitched by a friend. When it was given, she let me know that it was full of mistakes – little “imperfect stitches.” Really? I look at it and I see the big picture – a sweet little girl, adorned with a bonnet and apron, delivering a cherry pie on Baking Day! I also see the heart of the stitcher, if you will. She spent her time and effort making that for me! I love it and I dare anyone to wipe their dirty hands on it – I have store bought towels for that purpose! This is my treasure, set aside for my enjoyment – imperfections and all.

“I’m afraid I’m not good enough.”

“I’m afraid I haven’t done enough.”

“I’m afraid God doesn’t accept me as I am.”

Those are all quotes I’ve recently heard women say concerning their relationship with God. They’re basing those statements on what is or isn’t happening in their life. Something they’ve prayed about hasn’t been answered, some desire they’ve asked God for hasn’t been given, and so they turn their focus from looking heavenward in prayer to looking inward at themselves. They start searching for all the imperfections, and oh, there are many in all of us – it’s called an old sin nature, and we deal with it every single day.

But wait a minute, that’s what Jesus came to take care of on the cross! That sin has been paid for! It’s covered by the blood! Because I’ve received Christ as my Savior, when God looks at me, He sees me as having never sinned, based on the finished work at Calvary. He sees “the big picture” which is my justification through Christ. I don’t have to worry that He’ll see my mess ups and times when I sin (and there are plenty), because He sees me through His perfect Son.

My friend might have wanted to point out and fix the imperfections in the towel she made for me, but it did’t matter to me. We might try to “fix” up so we’re good enough to please God, but you can’t get any better than Jesus! He “fixed it” all for eternity.

Friend, if you’re worried that though you’ve received Christ, you might not be “good enough,” look at the cross and remind yourself of your standing before God. God sees you through His Son – forgiven. You are God’s special treasure set aside (sanctified) for His use. Now live confidently for Him, pray believing and stop pointing at the “imperfect stitches!”

In Christ,

Christian Life

The One Thing That Leads To Poverty Living

September 15, 2015September 16, 2015 RefreshHer5 Comments

“One day I’m going to tackle Bible memorization!”

“We’re going to have to get together for fellowship sometime soon!”

“”Some day I’m going to really start studying the Scriptures.”

“I sure want to make my life count for something. I hope it will some day.”

“I have a project at home that I’m hoping to get to some time.”

You know the saying, “Talk is cheap?” I believe I know it source – Proverbs 14:23b –

The talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

The one thing that leads us to living an empty, unfulfilled life is only talking about doing something and never getting it accomplished. It’s easy to talk, but not always as simple to follow through, isn’t it? We have all kinds of dreams, ambitions and hopes, but they never happen. Our talk leads to our penury (our poverty)!

If we’re not careful we can become spiritual paupers because we only talk about what Scripture we wish we could memorize, or what Bible study we’d like to start, what fervent prayer life we’d love to have, or what great book we’d love to read. If we only talk about it we’re poverty-stricken Christians.
Lonely paupers are those who only talk about having fellowship with friends, but never initiate it. They only dream about the day they’ll lay aside their other plans and do it!
Messy paupers never get around to carving out time for that junky closet or the garage that can’t be used for the car, but they sure talk about how nice it would be to park out of the rain.
People who never find a place to serve the Lord and others are empty paupers – they kind of aimlessly wander through life just trying to survive another day of their misery.

Are you living the life of some kind of pauper because you’re doing lots of talking about something the Lord has brought to your heart, but you’re not asking Him to help you to accomplish that? Philippians 2:13 reminds us: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Ask the Lord for wisdom about how to accomplish that desire He put in your heart, then claim this promise that says He will give you with both the willing and the doing of it!

Stop talking and start living the rich life of accomplishment!

Lovingly,

Christian Life

How Can We Walk With God?

September 3, 2015September 9, 2015 RefreshHerLeave a comment

Here’s a Throwback on this Thursday from a September post several years ago. Sometimes children can ask just the perfect question that will stir an adult’s heart, just as happened to me when I was teaching the 4’s and 5’s Sunday school.

I have recently begun co-teaching the 4 & 5 year-old Sunday school class at church. I love this age – you never what they’re going to say (or do!). I’ve been listening very carefully to each of them as they answer my questions, respond to the story, or talk with their peers. There are always little nuggets of truth in what little ones say, and I don’t want to miss anything!

Sunday’s lesson was on Enoch walking with God. This was a little bit of a challenge to teach to little ones to get them to understand how we, too, can walk with God as Enoch did. I shared with them that the Bible says that Enoch’s ways pleased God. When we are close to God we will want to do what He says – we obey Him. We will pray and talk to God about everything, and we will confess our sins and tell Him we are sorry when we sin against Him.

Toward the end of class I was playing a review game with them, and I asked one little girl, “How can we walk with God like Enoch did?” Her answer was, “By holding His hand.” I don’t remember exactly how I answered her, but I think I said something like, “Well, we can’t actually hold His hand like we would our mommy or daddy’s hand, but we do need to be that close to Him that it’s like we are holding His hand.” Precious…

Monday morning as I was having my quiet time I thought on that child’s response and I prayed,

“Lord, help me to stay so close to you all day today so that I feel your hand in mine.”

The truth is, that is how God wants us to walk with Him. I mustn’t walk ahead of Him, making my own decisions, my own plans. Don’t walk behind Him, doubting and questioning when He asks me to do something. We are to walk with Him, holding His hand. He is the One Who holds us, but we need to stay close within His reach. Oh, the sweet security we find there!

Are you aware of His nearness and the loving tenderness of His grip on you today?

Lovingly,

Christian Life · Mentoring

Roses, Remembrances, Reunions and Rough Days

August 26, 2015August 31, 2015 RefreshHer3 Comments

Here’s a peek at my week:

Roses. Last Thursday my husband came home with 18 yellow roses because “I haven’t gotten you yellow roses in a long time.” I know how blessed I am, and I’m crazy in love with a man that is thoughtful, helpful, sentimental and loving. He still makes my heart flip!

Remembrances. Friday was a day to remember Alli’s birthday. She thinks she’s getting old – I know I am! As a mom, I couldn’t be more thankful for her and her sister. I’ve loved having daughters, and Alli is sweet, funny, thoughtful, generous and a blast to spend time with.

I had her and her husband over for lunch and we celebrated with her favorite things – White Castle Sliders, Garlic Fries and Chocolate cake, tweaked just a little.

We had this Chocolate Cherry Cake only I made it with Strawberry pie filling instead. The results? Scrumptious!

Reunion. Saturday marked the last day of our six week mentoring ministry, Apples of Gold. Does this look like a group of young women having a good time? We had too much fun!

One of the other sweet mentors taught them to make homemade tortillas! Here they are trying their hand at rolling them out. Coffee cups, recipes, flour, and guacamole ingredients are everywhere showing evidence of the great time we were having!

We had such a sweet time together! We also had a former “Apple” join us, making it a bit of a reunion. Melissa served like a true Servant of the Lord. She washed dishes, cleared tables, and jumped to do whatever she saw needed to be done. I love each of these women and will miss our Saturday get-togethers! We have one last dinner – our Celebration Dinner with their husbands in a week and a half. Should be lots of fun!

Here was the table, all set and ready for our Saturday class…

Rough Days. Who likes going to the dentist? Any takers? Me either. Monday morning at 8:30 my week started out looking at this…

I had a tooth break off a little piece, and it needed a filling. I try not to put things off like that. When I learn about it I want it fixed before it becomes more than just a filling that is needed. So, off I took myself Monday morning to start my week. You know what? It ended up being a blessing.

I decided I’d ask the dental assistant and my dentist how I could pray for them while they worked on my tooth. The doctor admitted that “we all need prayer!” Then after a minute he shared a heavy burden with me that had taken place in his family just last week. It was my blessing to lie there and pray for that need, and the needs of his assistant. It took my mind off myself and put it on someone else, and that turned the “rough day” into a blessed one!

Lesson learned – Not every day is a Roses Day, but the difference is really how I respond to the Rough ones. I can turn it around if I’ll turn my focus to the Lord and others instead of my problems.

So, how’s your week been? Has it been Roses or Rough Days? Would a change in focus help you, too?

Lovingly,

Christian Life

Why I Went to the Altar Again Last Sunday

August 25, 2015August 25, 2015 RefreshHerLeave a comment

Every Sunday my husband preaches solid Truth from God’s Word. It’s powerful, not because it’s my husband, but because he’s preaching The Word of God. During the sermon, the Lord is wanting me to hear, to be instructed, to change, to repent, and to obey. How will that be evidenced in my life? I believe that the first step is indeed a step – a step toward the altar. I go forward on many Sundays not necessarily to confess some horrific sin, but I’m driven by the desire that my heart will stay soft and not get tough and crusty. I don’t go every single Sunday, but I do go frequently. Here’s why:

I desire to stay tender towards the Holy Spirit’s prodding in my heart.
It’s good to just talk to God about what was just preached, and ask the Lord to search my heart.
I confess anything He brings to my mind and then surrender to Him whatever He brings to my mind and heart.
I desire that my going to the altar will encourage others not to be afraid to move forward as well.
I go to pray for others I know are unsaved in our service.
When I’m down front, I’m ready to be able to minister to other women who may have a spiritual need.

Most of the things listed above could be done right at my seat, but with all my heart I’m telling you, that I’ve watched “Old Christians” get hardened and hard hearted about invitation time. Some I’ve known for years have never walked the aisle to bow the knee in surrender or confession of a need. How can that be? I’m sure it isn’t that the Lord has not spoken to them, but I believe the longer we sit tight and talk ourselves into the, “I can make any decision right here in my seat,” we’re moving towards it being easier and easier to toughen up and resist the conviction and leading of the Holy Spirit. A person doesn’t lose their salvation, but I do believe your heart can get hard as a result.

I’m not putting myself up as a “super-Christian” because I go forward – it’s really just the opposite. I know my own heart and how it wants its own way! My method to fight against that is to pray for a tender heart and then obey when the Spirit of God prods me. I remember hearing about a man who used to cry so much in church and in any spiritual situation and he hated that, so he prayed for God to take his tears away. Then he spent the rest of his life asking God to give his tears back.

How long has it been since you’ve “done business” with the Lord at the altar of your church? If your church doesn’t give invitations any more, I’d seriously pray about finding one that did. There’s a lot to be said for having a tender heart before the Lord and having an opportunity to respond to His conviction and leading…at the altar!

Lovingly,